“Where am I?” I asked

I feel light, as if a large load was taken off of me. All while I felt numb with a small tingling feeling of pain on my neck. I tried looking around and only saw a void, something that I expected thanks to my circumstances. If this was where I’ll be, it will be an awfully boring time being here.

“Let’s see, I have Isabel here?”

“Oh hello. I don’t mean to be rude but do you know where I might be?” I asked the random voice.

“Right right. You notice me. Just think of me as the Grim Reaper.”

“I’m not surprised thanks to my situation.” I said.

“You don’t seem too sad.”

“I am actually but I would rather not cry.”

“Ooo. I can see why. No hands.”

“Nor a body. In fact, do you know where it is?”

“Uh… you see that pile of mush to your left?”

I took a look at the direction that the voice told me to and saw what they meant. There was a red mush stain with cloth mixed in. Blood spilled over as what used to be my clothes got more red. Luckily there were no flies around but I bet the smell of my corpse would appeal to them.

“I am grateful that you recovered my head.” I said.

“Thanks. That's all you have.”

“Such a shame.” I said.

“Since you are going to be stuck like that in the afterlife, I do have a way for you to have a body once more.”

“Oh, do tell.” I said.

“I’m working on a pran… I mean experiment and wonder if you like to be a part of it. You get to be reborn to a new body at random points of time. And you will keep being reborn even after death. However, you will be out of this if you commit suicide due to wanting a new one.”

“I rather not experience death again so I hope I do not resort to that.” I said.

“Excellent. Just make sure you don’t do so for the reason I warned you about.”

This voice. They sound so feminine and masculine at the same time but I cannot judge as that would be rude. I would ask but I’m worried about offending the voice. Though I find the voice to be soothing and pleasant to listen to.

“Now you do not have a choice about the body you will get. No matter how much you complain, that’s all you get. And you can never be a teenage girl ever again.”

“I understand.” I said. “But it does make me nervous.”

“Oh don’t worry. You get to visit different places with a new look.”

“You know, I never really did go out to places on my own volition.” I said.

That proposition did make me feel a bit better. I mostly spent time in school or at home. The only time I went traveling was due to my family wanting to drag me into business ventures or whatnot. While I did get to see parts of the world, I never truly experienced it. Maybe this might be a chance to experience freedom. I might be from a noble family but this might be a richer experience.

“I’ll do it.” I said.

“Very well!”

Suddenly there was a big flash of light that consumed my vision. The sensation of having limbs jolted into me once more. The feeling of clothes laid on my chest as I started moving frantically from my senses acting up. I’m familiar with them but it felt so alien and new. I guess being a disembodied head for a while could do that to a person.

When the light cleared out, I found myself in a dirty apartment. I raised my hand and noticed how large and wide it was. I tried to get up but I felt like a turtle with a wide shell. One look at my new body gave me a good idea of what I have become. Upon standing up, I took a look at a mirror and saw my new form.

“Oh my… this is what they meant.” I said with a concerned look.

My face remained the same with wavy long hair that draped below my shoulders. My new body was rather wide and large. A huge contrast to my face that was too small in comparison. I wore a gray sweater and wool pants that barely fit my body but it at least did not burst. I felt the sweat dripping from my new flabs to the point where I would want to remove my clothes.

The odd feeling between my legs, it felt itchy as I pulled down the pants as an instinct. When I rolled down the underwear, I saw a bulb hanging there. I blushed at the sight as I grew to understand the nature of this experiment that the Grim Reaper set me up with. As of now, I am a man. A big, sweaty, and fat man living in a dirty apartment.

“This is too embarrassing.” I cried. “But I have to live with it.”

I pulled up my pants, trying to erase the image of my penis. However, I know that I will have to see it again if I ever need to bathe. I was getting hotter due to the sheer amount of embarrassment I am feeling as well as the weather. I assumed the life I have now is very poor and different from my old one. If that was not obvious.

Beside the mirror, I found what appeared to be a packet of sorts with my name on it. I picked it up and read that it was a basic description of my new life. Apparently I work as a fixer sort of person with my business partner named Joseph. The original owner of the body just died of a heart attack in his sleep and I am taking over for him.

I found a calendar and noticed how it was not March nor was it the year when I died. It appeared to be April 4th, 2018. For a huge time leap, it did not feel much different during the time I was alive. Perhaps I could adapt to this time era at the very least.

“Hey Franco! We got work to do!”

“Eep!” I said. “Uh… coming!”

“Wait! You managed to get a girl?!”

“I’ll explain in a bit.”

I ran after the door and opened it. Only to be greeted by a lanky looking man with a chiseled beard and chin. He had dirty overalls in a jean like pattern that matched his cap with a blue undershirt. I assumed he was Joseph due to his name tag and all. He took one look at me and it was as I expected.

“Whoa. I did not expect him to get a girl as big as him.” Joseph said.

“Actually, I am Franco.” I said.

“Huh? How did you doll up your face like that?” Joseph asked.

“Well you see, it’s complicated but I kind of took over and I had no choice on the matter.” I said.

“So uh… you like an alien or something?” Joseph asked.

“Oh no! But I guess I am a ghost.” I said. “I’m just as confused as you are.”

“So uh… guess Franco is taking a day off?” Joseph asked.

“More like he’s retiring.”

“You killed him!”

“No! I never did! I was just a head and I woke up with this body!” I cried.

“Holy shit! You killed him!” Joseph said with a wrench at hand, ready to attack me.

“No no no! I didn’t mean to!” I cried.

I honestly never got into an argument before nor do I know how to end one. Most of the time, I was pretty submissive and just agreed with someone. However, I was convicted of a murder that I was not aware of. I have to get out of this somehow.

“Uh… even if you were to report me, would anyone believe you?” I asked.

“Now that you mentioned it… yeah. But it's not cool!” Joseph said.

“All I know is that I have to live this life and you must help me out.” I said.

“Why would I help a murderer?” Joseph asked.

“Uh… because I’m lost.” I said with no idea what I was saying. “And I never killed anyone! I was just given this body!”

I got nothing else to convince this man. I can’t blame him if he wanted me in jail as I ended up replacing his friend. I may be as angry if I had any but I wouldn’t know. I just hope that deep down in his heart, he had some mercy.

“Argh. You don’t look like someone that lies.” Joseph said. “But if you wanna be my new Franco, I want the bigger cut of the salary that he had.”

“Of course!” I said. “I am so sorry for this. I was told by the Grim Reaper that Franco was meant to die of a heart attack. I can only hope to fill his role the best I can.”

“Alright alright! Just follow me girly.” Joseph said.

“Oh. My name is Isabel.” I said as I handed the man the notes I got from the Grim Reaper. “I only know that you are named Joseph based on the notes.”

“Oh… right.” Joseph said.

…

The next thing I know, I sat next to Joseph in the front of a truck. I might be fat but was able to fit in the seat. The bearded man seemed happy as he drove as his smile was wider than when he first met me. I remained silent during the drive as I worried that anything I may say might set him off. On the side, I read up the request made by our client from a notepad.

“Don’t have much to say, huh?” Joseph asked.

“Eep!” I said. “Well uh… I don’t really know what to say. I'm a bit nervous with all of these changes.”

“How’s this? Franco is an asshole!” Joseph said.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“It’s a shock that the guy is dead but the man looked like he was gonna die any time soon.”

“That’s not very nice to say.”

“Trust me, he acts like this gruff dick who wants everything to himself. Especially driving this car.”

“For a moment, I thought you missed him when you saw me.”

“Just shocked, girlie.”

“Please call me Isabel. If you insist on a nickname, Issy is alright.”

“Issy it is. But um… since you are a girl, how does it feel to be Franco?”

“I just started just now and it’s something that I must get used to.”

“Huh. You seem pretty okay with this.”

“I'd rather not express too much of my feelings. It’s really rude and improper.”

As much as I got questions, I could read the room or rather not say. I can tell based on what Joseph told me about the job and what Franco’s life was like. However, I got other questions like what Franco was like in detail or he had heard of my family. I would contact them on the side but they probably think it was a prank and confuse a younger me.

“Issy, if you hang with me, you gotta open up since things being too quiet seems too scary. And well, you’re a ghost and all.” Joseph said.

“I am not-see through so I guess I’m alive.” I said.

“Right. Forgot that ghosts needed to be see-through.”

“Well uh… I don’t really have much interest so… it’s really hard to talk about anything.”

“Hmm… how about you tell me what you like before becoming Franco?”

“I know that I was in a rich family and I just followed what they wanted me to do.”

“Damn Issy. What do your parents do for a living?”

“It’s a bit confusing but…”

The car suddenly stopped before I could continue to explain. I guess that can wait as this was the first day that I ever had a job. We simply left the car and headed towards the door of what appeared to be a small looking white house with a small front yard and some decorations. It only had one floor and looked as if it had a yard.

“Damn, wish I got a house like this!” Joseph said. “It’s pretty big for my taste.”

“It looks a bit too small but I see the appeal.” I said.

“Issy. It’s probably bigger on the inside.”

“Sorry. I never thought of that.”

“I guess your shyness will do me wonders since I have to do all the talking.” Joseph said. “Oh shit! I got to do all of the talking!”

“Franco does all the talking?”

“Yeah.” Joseph said. “I lost him this morning and I feel like shit!”

“If it makes you feel any better, I feel like that s-word as well.”

“I guess we’re both shitty together.”

“I suppose so. But I rather not say such things.”

“Suit yourself.” Joseph said as he slowly tried to knock on the door. It was clear that he was nervous but so was I. No amount of comforting words could help us now as anything I saw would be meaningless.

The door opened to reveal a woman with brown hair that was let loose and a black business dress to boot. She looked very pretty as my heart beated faster. Maybe it’s due to my new body that I am feeling really attracted, something that I barely felt with my old body. She looked at us with a sense of annoyance which I cannot blame her. Our clothes do look dirty. However, she took one good look at me with a disgusted look.

“Darling, you need some help.”

“I’m sorry.” I said.

“No no. I mean, I just feel bad for you.” the woman said.

“Anyways. Joseph if you please.” I said with the hope that he could handle it.

“Ah right. We’re here to um fix up your house! Yeah yeah, your house!” Joseph said. “Misses Kaitlin.”

“That’s Miss. Canterbury.” the woman said.

“Sorry.” Joseph said.

“Shall we begin with your toilet situation?” I asked.

“Do as you like. But I would like to watch you two.” Kaitlin said.

“Of course.” I said as I saw Joseph sweating even more.

“I do hope that your horrid reputation is false despite the quality work you deliver.” Kaitlin said.

“Right right.” Joseph said.

…

It was eerie having someone watch over me when working. Especially over something that I am not experienced with at all. While I do appreciate people in this field of work, I never really paid attention to them and had to rely on Joseph for the most part.

“Wrong wrench!” Joseph said.

“Is it the long one or the small one?” I asked.

“I’m talking about the mid size one!”

“There’s too many of them.”

“Pick the one that says 14.”

“Uh, right!” I said as I found something to pull out. I tried to be observant on the side to see what I can help with but Joseph kept being annoyed at my attempts. Not that I blame him.

“Hold it! We still got to unscrew some inner stuff! And don’t use your back, use your legs!” Joseph said.

“Sorry!” I replied.

“Hmm…” Kaitlin said while glaring at us.

“She’s new!” Joseph said.

“I just swapped heads with this person.” I said.

“Issy! Not in front of the client!” Joseph said.

“Oh? I wanted to address that but business comes first. I guess now is the right time to talk about it.” Kaitlin said.

“Aw crap.” Joseph said. “Should have told her to keep it a secret.”

“Well you see…” I said while giving a long explanation on what had transpired since this morning.

There were moments where I was distracted from work while conversing with Kaitlin by giving Joseph the wrong tool. Or lack the proper technique to handle some of the tasks that Joseph told me to do.

“For the love of, don’t let go!” Joseph said.

“Sorry.” I said as I held onto the ladder.

“My my, you poor kid.” Kaitlin said. “I know that we must maintain a professional relationship, but I guess you can get a special exception.”

I felt her arm around me, making me blush. It was odd since I never was romantically interested in anyone nor does anyone sincerely like me. Nor did anyone touch me like this before.

“Eh eh eh…” I squealed and let go for a bit before holding onto the ladder again.

“Oh sorry!” Kaitlin said as she let go of me.

“Hammer!” Joseph said.

“Right!” I said. “Um… how can I grab it without letting it go?”

“Well… Franco would just tell me to figure it out.” Joseph said. “Not sure if you can do that.”

“I might as well help out if I’m going to just stand here.” Kaitlin said as she grabbed a mallet and gave it to Joseph from above.

“Thank ya, toots!” Joseph said.

“Excuse me!” Kaitlin said.

“Sorry toots, I mean ma’am I mean…” Joseph said.

“Uh… how did you know the right hammer to give to him?” I asked. “I keep giving Joseph the wrong tools!”

“Common sense I guess?” Kaitlin said.

“Any hammer would do actually.” Joseph said.

“Oh…” I said.

“Don’t beat yourself out. I bet your new friend will help guide you the entire way. Especially after hearing your insane story.” Kaitlin said.

“Thank you for believing in me.” I said.

“Of course. I can tell you are telling the truth thanks to my intuition.” Kaitlin boasted before handing me a card. “Here! If you ever need someone to talk to, just text and I’ll find time for you.”

“Wow… you managed to get a girl like that without trying.” Joseph said.

“It’s not like that!” I said.

“I don’t know. If I were to get myself a man, I would like them to be soft and fluffy.” Kaitlin joked.

Oh god, this was too embarrassing. I knew it was too good to be true in accepting the kindness of people. I was aware that the world was not perfect and not everyone was nice but this takes it to another level. I really do not want to be paranoid around these two since they were the only people I have so far that tolerated my current state. I don’t know if I can trust anyone else.

“Hey! I’m just kidding!” Kaitlin said.

“Sorry.” I said.

“And quit apologizing. You didn’t do anything wrong!” Kaitlin said.

“Uh… how about lunch?! Just the two of us. My treat!” Joseph interrupted.

“Right.” I said.

…

Privately, we sat outside together on the sidewalk and we both shared half of a sandwich. There was barely a time that I ever ate with my fingers from what I remembered. So it felt a bit odd not using something to hold my food.

I simply stared at Joseph and followed his movements to a tee as I ate my sandwich. It was rough and damp at the same time with the grainy taste from the bread raining on my tongue. Clashing with the vegetables that I doubt were fresh. Not that it mattered as it’s all I had for food.

“Don’t like it?” Joseph asked.

“Yeah. But there’s no point in complaining.” I said.

“You’re pretty mature for someone that looks like crying.”

“I wouldn’t say that I am. Especially messing up badly today.”

“Yeah you were a problem. But Franco, if he messed up, he gets all angry and stubborn about it. Working with you was a refresher as I felt like I’m in charge for once!”

“I assumed he was the leader?”

“Yep. Always calling the shots, even if I don’t like it. We were friends, if you can call it that, for years and he kept on treating me like shit.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m conflicted. I’m both glad the bastard is dead but a part of me missed him. He always take most of the money we earn together and yells at me all the time. With you around, the funeral stuff is less of a hassle and my ears can take a break. A part of me felt bad for him even if he looked down on me though.”

“How so?”

“The man had no family of his own nor does he have a ma or pa alive anymore. I’m all he got and I can’t shake that feeling at times.”

“I would not be the best person to talk to but maybe you just miss him because you spent a lot of time with him. Were they all bad?”

“Well, there was that time he and I went to a bar for the first time and were legally able to drink. That look on his face when he was drunk. We just laughed all night and did not care for the tab. We had similar nights afterwards and he paid for the drinks.”

“Sounds like there are parts of Franco you like and parts you hate. But did you really hate him?”

“You know, talking to you made me think clearly. He was clearly messing with me most of the time the more I thought about it. Especially the money thing. That doesn't mean he didn’t take the bigger cut. I know there were worse people than Franco. I’m still mad at the bastard but… I’m not that mad. You get what I mean?”

“Not completely but I guess I get the picture.”

“Thanks Issy.” Joseph said as he teared up. “I guess death can make me a bit soft for someone, even if he’s a dick.”

“I guess sympathy is all we can offer for now.” I said while having my arms out. “Need a hug?”

“Yeah!”

I may not be an expert in grief or dealing with people going through hard times. What I do know was that people like Joseph needed a hug. Franco clearly put him through a lot, both the good and bad, but I supposed the bad stood out to him. That was not to say that Franco was completely a good person since I never met the man himself. I just know that the relationship was complicated and it’s a miracle that Joseph stood by him even after all of that.

As I gave Joseph a hug, I felt him sink into my fat body. I gave hugs to close siblings or relatives before but I was never the one to instigate them. Especially with this body as I felt the man get really close to me to the bones. I feel like a pillow with odd structures underneath and had this feeling of being crushed while squishing Joseph in the process.

I immediately let him go afterwards, seeing him covered in my own sweat and grim from both my body and dirty clothes. However, Joseph looked calm and relieved, as if the hug was all he needed. Honestly, I was surprised that it was the solution.

“I’m not gay but it felt like I’m bonding with Franco.” Joseph said. “The man was still a dick but… nevermind still a dick.”

“Perhaps you don’t hate him as much now?” I suggested.

“I’ll think of a better way to explain it.” Joseph said. “We gotta finish our lunch now cause we still got work!”

“Of course.” I said as I shove the sandwich into my mouth. Choking in the process.

“Not that quickly.”

I still tried to swallow it after chewing a little bit. I hated this sandwich but this was my life now and I need to get used to food like this. Food, no matter where it’s been, someone worked hard to make it in some way. This sandwich that I loathed was no exception. Besides, I needed to eat quickly since I wanted to get it over with.

“Just drink this!” Joseph said as he handed me a water bottle to wash it down. “And don’t do that again. Please. You made me worried there.”

…

A few days later, I was very nervous, but in a good way. I had finally reached out to Kaitlin (after a few days of hesitating) and she had said she would be coming over to pick me up. It was during my day off which so happens to work well for Kaitlin. Looking back, I felt like I am making progress working with Joseph yet I always have this lingering feeling that I am missing something.

Soon enough there was a knock on the door and there she stood. Instead of the businesslike attire I had last seen her in, she wore a comfortable-looking shirt and some nice jeans. It was amazing how much of a difference that made - she seemed like an entirely different person. For some reason, I suddenly felt very self-aware.

“Alright,” she said immediately, “There’s got to be a lot of stuff that you need help with. We’ll see what we can get done today. No rush, though.” She glanced behind me into the room, and I saw the same look of disgust she’d briefly shown when we first came to her house covered in dirt and grime. “Tsk…I thought so. If you want, I can help you with your place, too. Get it looking better, maybe even some new furniture…but that can wait! Today we have more important business.”

“...Meep” was all I could manage.

“Hey, it’s OK.” Kaitlin smiled warmly and placed a hand on my shoulder. She could clearly tell I didn’t know what to do with myself. “You don’t have to be so worried. We’re just going to go over some simple things, and we can take it as slow as we need to.” Suddenly she realized her hand was on my shoulder. She swiftly drew it back. “S-sorry. Let me know if I cross any boundaries.”

“No, it’s fine,” I assured her. To be honest, my heart had fluttered a little when she touched me. I've been feeling a lot of strange new sensations lately. But now didn’t feel like the time to bring it up.

“C’mon,” she said. “No time like the present.”

Kaitlin had outlined her plan in the car. It was a nice, clean vehicle - a whole different world from Joseph’s dingy truck. I still wasn’t sure exactly where we were going, but I had a sense of the basics.

“I thought you might need help learning how to be an independent adult. How old were you before this?”

“Um…sixteen or seventeen. Or was it eighteen. I lost track since my birthday was never a big deal.”

“Yikes. I remember when I was sixteen or whatever you said. This must all be such a shock to you…” Kaitlin seemed lost in thought for a second. “Come to think of it, did you ever learn to drive?”

“No.”

“Then how about we make that our first lesson?” She pulled into an empty lot. “Actually, before we begin, do you know if your body has a driver’s license?”

I stared at her blankly.

“It’d probably be in your wallet,” she said. It had honestly never occurred to me to check for those sorts of things. In my defense, I hadn’t needed this much identification in my old life. I dug in my pocket and pulled out a wallet, which I handed to her without looking at it myself. She flipped it open and rifled through it.

“Let’s see…hope you don’t mind the invasion of privacy…Yep, you do have a license! Oh my god, you have to see this.”

She handed me the card and I could immediately see what she meant. Staring up at me was a picture of my own face! Evidently the Reaper’s magic still had some surprises for me. All the data on the card was for Franco (including the name), but the picture showed him as he currently appeared - that is, it showed me. While the picture was really only of the head, I could tell it was Franco’s original shoulders my head rested on, just like in real life.

“How weird!” Kaitlin said. “Well, that will at least make it easier to prove your identity. Anyway, this means you’ve got all the formal stuff out of the way - trust me, you’ll be glad you don’t have to pay a visit to the DMV. Now all that’s left is actually learning how to drive. Let’s switch seats!”

My first time driving started off small when we just swapped seats and Kaitlin gave me instructions from how to turn on the engine to shifting the gears. My fat body was in the way so it was hard to make sure that I saw things clearly around and below me. I had little room to move properly in my seat to the point I wonder how Franco drives at all.

“Okay, just hit the brakes before hitting the gas.” Kaitlin said.

The next thing I know, I felt the entire car sped up and Kaitlin was screaming before there was an abrupt stop. I could not tell what I pressed as I thought I stepped on the brakes. But as I said, my thickness was in the way.

“Eh?” I asked.

“Thank god! Good thing the emergency brakes work!” Kaitlin said who was clearly scared.

“Did I hit the wrong pedal?” I asked.

“Seems like it. But if you push the one to your far right, just do it slowly next time.” Kaitlin said.

“Oh…” I said.

“Maybe we should review one more time as well as look at every part of the car.” Kaitlin said.

“I guess we have to since I’m not that knowledgeable about basic things anyways.” I said before I felt my cheek being grabbed and looked at Kaitlin.

“Look at me darling! You are not useless! You just need to learn.” Kaitlin said.

“Ouch ouch ouch!” I cried.

“Oh god! So sorry!” Kaitlin said as she let go.

“Ah…” I said.

“This is embarrassing.” she said.

“Don’t worry. I get it. You care about me, do you?” I asked.

“Well I'm… not that far.” Kaitlin said. “We only met like a few days ago.”

“I figured.” I said.

“That’s not me really liking you or prefer my men acting like you or anything.” Kaitlin said.

“Huh?” I said while blushing.

“Oh crap!” Kaitlin said. “Let’s just focus on teaching you basic car stuff!”

“Right right!” I said.

Maybe it’s my new man parts acting but I get really flustered whenever Kaitlin talks to me like that. I know this should be a thing I should talk to other girls about, but I have man parts. Maybe Joseph knows more about this than me. Oh, this is so weird.

…

On a random day at work, it was our job to repair some pipes for someone’s sink. I had a wrench at hand and for once it tightened. I turned the wrench over and over until it stood in place before moving out from under the sink. I stood out of the way for Joseph to check my progress and he came out looking annoyed.

“Not tight enough.” Joseph said.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“Even if it looks stuck, you gotta push it even more.” Joseph said. “Get back in and you’ll see.”

I simply obeyed and went back under again. My entire body could not fit so I had to rely on my arms which barely fit. As I pulled even harder, I was shocked that there was more to pull. It was straining to my arms but I had to do it since Joseph said so. I kept at it until it was stuck but I kept on pulling.

“I think that’s enough.” Joseph said.

“Alright.” I said as I removed myself from under the sink.

“Despite the hiccups, I think you’re getting better.” Joseph said. “You even got the right wrench this time or at least tried to.”

“Thank you.” I said.

“So um… how's being Franco doing for ya?” Joseph asked.

“There were some things I’m used to but not really for the others.” I said. “Like being around girls.”

“Oh right… wait, are you…” Joseph asked.

“Honestly, I never really cared all that much until now. Then again, I never got that close to anyone.” I said.

“With that Kaitlin chick, I mean Kaitlin.” Joseph said. “She is a bomber after all. I bet that Franco-part of you wants her!”

“Maybe.” I said. “You do realize that I used to be a girl right? I don’t know how to handle manly urges.”

“Right right.” Joseph said. “Honestly, I’m not the best person to talk to on the matter.”

“Oh.” I said. “Thought you could help.”

“I can’t blame you. But all I can say is that it’s natural.” Joseph said. “Like you’re growing up fast you know.”

“I see but what to do about Kaitlin?” I asked.

“Well, I do have one idea.” Joseph said.

“Will it help my urges?” I asked.

“It will be some help for you at least. You’re lucky and you gotta exploit it!” Joseph said.

“How?” I asked.

“First off, I’m gonna teach you about repairing boilers. And then… this is the part you will like the most.” Joseph said.

I was confused but I have to accept Joseph’s judgment on this. Who else can I turn to on the matter? It’s too embarrassing to just tell someone about my case along with my head going through puberty. Can only your head go through puberty? Oh god. I rather not grow a beard.

…

“Hi Kaitlin!” I said.

“Ah! Where’s that partner of yours?” Kaitlin asked.

“Well uh… he’s testing me to see if I can be like his old partner.” I said.

“I see.” Kaitlin said.

“Shall I get to work?” I asked.

“Right this way.” Kaitlin said.

Kaitlin showed me the other parts of the house that needed repairs as we were not done. The amount of work needed to be done lasted for days and we got other clients. She had to set up other dates for us to come and visit. Not that I mind since Joseph insisted that I visit her alone this time. Claiming that he’s gonna be independent too to fulfill our quota.

The next thing I recall that I needed to fix was the boiler room. I gulped as I was nervous about working with something that might burn me. All I could do was mutter all the instructions Joseph told me from with Kaitlin keeping watch.

“You know, it’s odd that he sent you alone this time. As if he was setting us up for a date. How charming but it is a bit creepy.” Kaitlin said. “Are you the mastermind behind all of this?”

“What?! No!” I said. “Please let me focus and we can discuss further!”

“Fine, fine. I was just joking.” Kaitlin said.

I just did what I learned throughout my time being a repairman and only did my best. I keep feeling that I made a mistake somehow as my confidence kept on waning. Especially with Kaitlin watching over me. I really did not want to rely on her for something that was my job. Normally I would complain about my fat body but I grew used to it. It’s still odd and unappealing but it felt natural to me now. Despite the gender of the body, I still consider myself as a girl no matter what!

“Phew.” I said. “I hope it’s good.”

“I’ll check on it later. Maybe you could use a break?” Kaitlin suggested.

“Thank you but I think I just needed to fix a hole on one of your walls and we’ll be done.” I said.

I shuddered at what I said. After all this time, Kaitlin’s house was almost fully repaired with just that one hole to deal with. I know I could visit or meet up with her anytime but at that point I felt like I was intruding. And and…

“You know, I consider you as a friend.” Kaitlin said. “Even after all of this, we can still meet up.”

“I know. I know. Just I keep feeling that I need to maintain a professional relationship with you. Especially with the other people I worked with.” I said.

“Yeah, but I’m not like those other people.” Kaitlin said.

“Huh?” I asked.

“You were such a poor thing that I just had to take care of you.” Kaitlin said. “And well… I might be a bombshell but I’m kind of lonely.”

“I’m sure you’ll find love someday.” I said.

“I’m around my 30’s and not once did I get a guy into me. Nor am I interested. Just been getting complicated feelings since I’m not into men.” Kaitlin said.

“So are you into women?” I asked.

“A bit more actually but not as I should. Just finding people I’m interested in is hard as I often find them boring.” Kailtin said while blushing. “That must make me look selfish and picky, huh?”

“Probably, but I don’t think you are that selfish.” I said. “You were nice to me.”

“For personal reasons.” Kaitlin said.

“But I did feel genuine kindness.” I said.

The woman before me looked guilty, as if I stroked a cord. I really mean it when I thought Kaitlin was a kind soul. There was this dedication that she cared for me even though we barely met or a sense of sympathy. Any selfish motivation was probably on the side.

“I admit it! You turn me on! I didn’t want to say it because it feels so wrong telling that to a kid!” Kaitlin said.

“So… you felt the same as I did?” I asked.

“AH?!” Kaitlin screamed. “You were… I thought you were different.”

“I tried! I really tried keeping it in my pants but this body kept acting up.” I said.

“I’ll have to admit that it’s impressive that you did so.” Kaitlin said.

“So… I guess we both have odd feelings about our bodies, huh?” I asked.

“Probably the reason why I grew to like you. We're kind of similar minus the guy parts.” Kaitlin said.

“Yeah um… that too.” I said.

“Guess being single and friendless does get to me.”

“You didn’t have friends?”

“Not really. I just can't deal with them well.”

“How am I special to you?”

“Well you know… you kind of appeal to me with your body. But I also like your personality.” Kaitlin said. “I really do!”

“Uh…” I said.

“My bedroom, after you fix that hole! I’ll pay extra!” Kaitlin blurted out before covering her mouth. “Oh god, what the hell am I saying?!”

“EH!” I cried. “This is going too fast!”

“I’m so sorry! I’m just thinking with my body.” Kaitlin said.

“It’s fine!” I said while taking deep breaths. “But I am glad that I got to know you more.”

“Huh… when you put it that way, I guess it's good to let it all out.” Kaitlin said. “I’m glad I can trust you with this.”

“Oh uh… thanks.” I said.

“I should thank you.” Kaitlin said.

“I’ll uh… get back to the job.” I said while my face turned red.

“Sure.” Kaitlin said.

Honestly, I always viewed Kaitlin as this confidant and risk taking woman. Just hearing her blurt out all of that surprised me. I am still learning about this new life and the people around me so I should expect this. Though my image of her was kind of shattered. Not that I don’t like her or think of her negatively. I just see her in a new light compared to before.

…

Things went smoothly from then where I got even closer to Kaitlin. We had meetings whenever we were available. Meeting at cafes, mentoring me on how to be independent, and so on. I did eventually get a general idea with some hiccups the more I interacted with Kaitlin.

It was a while before I finally knew. The two of us were eating at a nice restaurant after spending most of the day together. I was basically a fully functional adult by now, so there hadn’t been any goal to us getting together except to enjoy each other’s company. We’d been doing it for a while (in hindsight I had probably known for a while where this was going to end up), just going shopping together, or to the park or the art gallery or any of the sorts of places couples spend time together. I think she knew too. She was just waiting for me to say it.

“It’s been an honor to see what an outstanding man you’ve become.” It still felt a little weird to hear myself called a man…but it was weird in a way I kind of liked.

I brushed some of my long hair over my ear in what was ironically a very girlish gesture. “Well it’s all thanks to you.”

Kaitlin looked a bit shy. “I’m glad you put up with me all this time. I hope I wasn’t too overbearing.”

“Put up with you?” I said incredulously. “You need to give yourself more credit. The man (I hesitated for just a moment) I am now is…is proof of what a kind, thoughtful, incredible person you are. I’d be lost without you. You’re amazing.”

We stared at each other for a few moments. Kaitlin was blushing and I’m sure I was too. At that moment all I could think about was when we’d seen that movie earlier that afternoon - how she leaned against my shoulder as we sat next to each other, and how neither of us said anything afterward.

“Hang on,” I said, “I need to give something to you.” I got up and took her by the hand. When I had led her away from the main floor, in the secluded corridor leading to the bathrooms, I pinned her against the wall in a passionate kiss.

Kaitlin was shocked as I was but she rammed into me as well. For once, I just let my urges take over and just embraced her as much as I wanted. I assumed it was consensual since she did not stop me or pushed me away. I think she had the urges as well.

“Oh god.” Kaitlin said as she let go. “Maybe we should do this at home?”

“You mean?” I asked.

“Yeah. I think I gotta teach you how this works too!” Kaitlin said.

That night I learned that there was still at least one more thing Kaitlin had to teach me about being a man. It was the first of what I hoped would be many, many lessons.

…

After a few months, we finally committed to the idea. I’m getting married to Kaitlin after knowing her for almost a year.

On the day of the wedding I looked myself over in the mirror. I had never looked this good in a suit. I had been exercising and trying to lose weight in order to look my best, but I hadn’t lost nearly as much weight as I’d hoped. There was a definite difference though - less in my size (still quite fat) and more in my manner, how I dressed and carried myself. When I’d first “arrived” on Franco’s body, I had loathed the sight of myself, but now I was actually happy about how I looked. And it was all thanks to the woman I was about to marry.

I hadn’t actually seen her yet, in accordance with the old tradition that says the groom can’t see the bride before the actual wedding. But I knew she looked fantastic. We’d already seen each other’s wedding outfits, since we lived together and didn’t see much point in keeping them secret. We’d actually discussed getting them together though we ended up deciding not to. We were so in love we almost couldn’t bear being apart for even a day. And the sex had been incredible. I didn’t know how we could make tonight’s inevitable lovemaking any better than it’d been, but I hoped we’d find a way somehow.

Before going I checked my face in the mirror as well. It was still the pretty face of a girl - or should I say young woman? - with my long hair framing it on either side. In a way I was still the bride as much as the groom. I’d actually toyed with the idea of wearing a veil along with the suit, but ultimately decided I didn’t want to compete with Kaitlin in any way. I didn’t need any special way of reminding myself of my feminine side: whatever body I had below the neck, I knew I would always be me.

Then there was a knock on the door with the call of a familiar friend. “Hey Issy! You there?”

“Ah! Joseph! Come in!” I said as I went to unlock the door.

“Phew! Just wanted to make sure if you were doing alright.” Joseph said.

The man wore a clearly rented white suit that was clearly too big for his lanky body. He kept trying to hold parts of it to make sure that they didn’t fall off. All I could do was help him here and there.

“Did you tie that yourself?” Joseph asked.

“It took me some practice but I did it!” I said.

“Wow, to think you went from being a kid to marrying some hot chick.” Joseph said.

“It was pretty rough.” I said. “And here I am.”

“Seems pretty boastful for someone who just learned how to open a can.” Joseph said.

“I wouldn’t think that I’m that dumb.” I said.

“Guess I don’t need to look after you all the time huh?”

“Not really. I keep feeling as if I do need some help with things. I just learned so much compared to before.”

“Guess you really are growing up so fast.” Joseph said as he placed a hand onto my flabby shoulders. “Hope today goes well for you.”

“Thanks.” I said.

After much preparation, it was time. I was at the altar and looked over the crowd which included Joseph and Kaitlin’s family. I wished to include my old family but they belonged to the old Isabel. This wedding was between the new and improved Isabel with Kaitlin. I got some weird stares from my in-laws but I expected this.

I was sweating as I awaited for my upcoming wife to come to me. As I waited, some song from Maroon 5, something Kaitlin introduced me to, rang into my ear. From the door, I saw my to-be wife strut in with her father much to the elder man’s demise. The demise was more of a reluctance over the eccentric way she approached me.

“HIIII!” Kaitlin said.

As we got closer, Kaitlin had been opening up to me much more. It started off with the first time we had sex as I grew to understand her tastes. I understood why she wanted to keep it a secret but I accepted it regardless. I thought I would only learn basic things that I never did in my past life from her. But I did learn more about Kaitlin a lot more as a person and she started to let loose as she was right now.

Honestly, I was more focused on the music and strutting that I did forget to have a good look at her wedding dress. Surprisingly, it was pretty normal looking due to budget and my own suit was pretty expensive to fit me. I then focused on her smile and joy as she was glad to be able to just let loose. Even if this was our wedding. I simply waved hello to her as she then stood beside me.

“Hey.” I said as I held onto her hands.

“Chin up. It’s our wedding day.” Kaitlin said before she looked at the priest. “Let’s get this over with. I’m tired of waiting.”

“Uh, do you Kaitlin, accept your new husband or wife, no matter the circumstances or form?” the priest said while glaring at me. Can’t really blame him since I am unnatural after all.

“I do.” Kaitlin said.

“Do you Isabel, willing to grow to be the best spouse for your wife?” the priest said.

“I do!” I said.

“I pronounce you husband or wife and wife.” the priest said. “This is too confusing!”

I locked my lips onto my wife’s lips and kept it clean for the family. We heard some cheers with booing in the background. It was followed up with Joseph chasizing my in-laws for their behavior, making me realize that I am going to need his help even after this.

“Let’s just do that car thing!” Kaitlin said.

“Right.” I said as I guided Kaitlin out of the church and into Kaitlin’s car that was decorated for the occasion.

I got onto the wheel as Kaitlin sat next to me and revved up the engine. I did get my driver’s license before all of this so I am pretty confident in my driving skills. What could go wrong?

…

“Where am I?” I asked.

“Welcome back!”

“Ah! Mr. Reaper! Does this mean…” I asked.

“Yep! You died! Man, you were such a reckless driver and that Kaitlin girl was being too crazy. To top it off, her in-laws rigged your car to blow up. They must really not like you. That car accident just made you lose your head.”

“Oh god! Is my wife alright?” I asked. I didn’t care for how I was set up, just if my wife was alright! I wish those assholes would burn in hell but I never had the courage to insult them like Kaitlin did when we met them multiple times before our wedding.

“She’s fine. Just got some cuts as you did to protect her with your large body.”

“I was getting used to being a man.” I said with tears running down. “I even learned how to be normal! I don’t want to upset her after all we've been through!”

I knew death was inevitable but not like this. I felt satisfied with my life after so long and met people that I could trust. I guess unlike before, I wanted to keep my life as a middle aged fat man. It’s weird for me to say that but it was more satisfying than when I was just a girl.

“I’m sorry. Just not used to dying again.” I said.

“If it makes you feel better, Kaitlin is doing her best to get over all of this. But you taught her a very valuable lesson on living.”

“I’m… I’m glad that I did!” I said.

This sudden death, I hate it. But the fact that the reaper was nice enough to tell me about how Kaitlin was doing was very generous of them. The fact that I even offered one last gift was pleasant enough too.

“What about Joseph?” I asked.

“He’s grieving but will always remember you as one of the nicest people he’d ever met. Tried making his job bigger and well, he hit problems. He’ll be over with it.”

“I hope you mean it in a good way.” I said.

“Well… up to you but he’s at least trying to stay healthy and living life. Even if it sucks.”

“I’ll just hope for the best for him.” I said.

“Anyways, you can just take a break here until you are ready to be reborn, alright.”

A pillow suddenly appeared below my neck. Tissues wiped my eyes and my hair moved away from my face. It was comfy to remain here for a while but I knew that I must prepare to adjust to a new life. I did agree to this deal after all and I might as well go along with it.

“Alright.” I said. “I’m ready.”

“That quickly?”

“I got to go eventually.” I choked. “No use to just staying here.”

“If you insist.”

…

Credits:

Heckbender

Leonixx

Reika

Chen Mango

Polyverse

Lightning